Granite rocks rounded by the wind, and between them water in a turquoise you can hardly believe. North-eastern Sardinia is reachable in an hour and a half from Bolzano.
Direct flight from Bolzano to Olbia (1h 30min) + hotel + 15-minute transfer. The airport lies in north-eastern Sardinia and opens up the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena National Park.
- Direct flight from Bolzano
- Best price guarantee
- EU-protected package holiday
- Just 15 minutes' transfer on arrival
What can you reach from Olbia?
Olbia opens up the Costa Smeralda and the La Maddalena Archipelago — both within an hour's drive.
Olbia lies in north-eastern Sardinia and is the main gateway to this coast. The landscape is shaped by granite: rocks that wind and water have rounded over millennia, with bays of pale sand between them and unusually clear water. Olbia itself is manageable — a working town with a harbour and a small centre — but the reason for coming is the coast, not the city.
To the north begins the Costa Smeralda, developed in the 1960s as an exclusive holiday destination. Porto Cervo is its centre — and priced accordingly. The bays themselves are publicly accessible, even where the approaches sometimes run over private roads; parking fees at the better-known coves are a normal part of the day. Nature is what carries the region: shaped granite formations, umbrella pines, wind-bent junipers.
Further north lies the La Maddalena National Park, an archipelago of several islands reachable by ferry from Palau. The main island can be driven; the smaller ones only by boat. The water there is considered among the clearest in the Mediterranean. In summer, day boat trips run from Palau, Cannigione and Porto Rotondo to the archipelago — usually with several stops for swimming and snorkelling.
Which beaches can you reach from Olbia?
The coast north of Olbia is Sardinia's most famous. Costa Smeralda and Golfo Aranci each lie around half an hour away; La Maddalena is reached via Palau in just over an hour plus ferry. All beaches are public, though approaches sometimes run over private stretches with fees. For a first stay, a base in the Golfo Aranci area or around Cannigione is often the more sensible pick than in Porto Cervo itself — quieter and noticeably cheaper.
Costa Smeralda
Very clear water, some approaches with fees
La Maddalena
Smaller islands reachable only by boat
Which flights are available from Bolzano to Olbia?
SkyAlps flies direct from Bolzano to Olbia (summer only) — flight time 1h 30min. All prices are per person and include return flights plus nights at the booked hotel.
When is the best time to visit north-eastern Sardinia?
The season runs from May to October. May is mild and green, though the sea is still cool. June is warm, swimmable and still relatively quiet. In August the Costa Smeralda reaches its peak in every respect — packed beaches, no parking, restaurants booked out, and prices at their highest. September is our recommendation: warm sea, mild days, noticeably fewer visitors and lower prices. October remains mild but the first hotels start to close. From November to April SkyAlps does not fly the route.
Frequently asked questions
Yes.
In Italy the coastline is public, including on the Costa Smeralda. What can be private are the approaches and car parks — expect parking fees at the better-known bays, sometimes at considerable levels. Sunbeds and umbrellas are operated by concessionaires and cost extra. If you'd like a free spot, arrive early. Rule of thumb: three or four nights in the city and Poetto works without a car; a full beach-week requires one.
Ready for your Olbia beach holiday?
Direct flight from Bolzano to Olbia, a hotel in north-eastern Sardinia and the transfer – all in one booking. Book online now, securely, flexibly and at the best price.